June 22, 2024 Brian Lebel's Santa Fe Old West Events Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/22/2024
a) S/N 23277, circa 1876. Classic 4 - 3/4" configuration, balance of legends obfuscated by reapplied nickel finish, with portion of patent information legible. Kidney-shaped ejector rod head, hammer polished and now void of checkering, front sight recontoured. Replacement barrel. Solid silver cast and chased grips with rampant Colt motif, acanthus scrollwork, and a Federal eagle holding bundles of arrows and olive branches, surmounting a ribbon that reads "E Pluribus Unum". Inscribed on the backstrap "LUCKY CARSON". b) S/N 210669, circa 1901. Classic 4 - 3/4" configuration, barrel cut down from a longer barrel with one line address and front sight appropriately moved. Ejector rod housing with kidney-shaped ejector rod head, affixed by a screw to the barrel which is through the barrel and retained by a nut in the barrel. Left side of frame with 2-line 3 date patent information, somewhat obfuscated. Sterling silver grips with scroll and floral motifs with hatch shading and rocker accents; right grip further decorated with a relief gold steer head and "GP" enclosed in a rocker vignette at top. Right grip is further marked on interior with a small plaque with "Edward H. / Bohlin / Hollywood. CAL" in a sheriff's badge. Inscribed on the backstrap "LUCKY CARSON" en suite with (a). FULL CONDITION REPORT ONLINE.
Provenance: Ex George Pitman Collection, Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Condition: Both guns have been nickeled for visual appeal, obfuscating legends as aforementioned, with some superficial scratches and handling marks. Bores have heavy frosting and areas of oxidation. Traces of gold wash still visible on some small parts such as cylinder pin and screw heads. Grips are very good, with some casting flaws on (a). (a) ejector rod housing screw has sheared and is currently retained in slot by adhesive putty. (a) is mechanically fine, 3 clicks, (b) does not catch and hammer falls forward.